EPISODE 10: THE INFILTRATION ## CHAPTER 1: THE LOCATION By March 1997, The Network had identified six potential node sites within driving distance of Millbrook. Tyler had spent weeks combing through archives—local historical societies, university libraries, even microfiche at newspaper offices. He'd learned to recognize the patterns: strange occurrences clustering around certain locations, organizations with suspiciously consistent leadership across generations, properties that changed hands between related families for centuries. "This one's the most promising," he said, spreading maps across Jessica's computer desk. "The Harrington Estate, about two hours north. It was built in 1889 by a family that matches the profile. Multiple unexplained deaths on the property. Power fluctuations that local utilities have never been able to explain." "Is there still activity there?" Maya asked. "According to county records, the estate was purchased three years ago by something called the Nexus Foundation. Officially, it's a retreat center for 'contemplative study.'" Jessica pulled up her own research. "Nexus Foundation has minimal web presence—just a landing page with contact information. But I traced their domain registration. It's linked to an address in Switzerland that also hosts registrations for four other organizations in different countries." "Coordinated. International." "And very careful about covering their tracks. These people know what they're doing." --- ## CHAPTER 2: THE PLAN Helen was opposed to any direct...